Police find gun used in North Richland Hills slaying

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS -- A handgun used in the slaying of a North Richland Hills woman who was shot after opening her door in December has been found, but no one has been arrested in the case, police said Wednesday.

The weapon was found March 23 in the 6500 block of Jerrell Street at Blende Street, almost eight miles from where the 68-year-old Marianne Wilkinson was fatally shot on Dec. 9.

Ballistic tests on the handgun confirmed that it was the weapon used in the shooting, police said.

According to a news release, a trace of the handgun revealed that the weapon was purchased by Carl Harrison (also known as “Wolf”) of Elk City, Oklahoma. Harrison purchased the weapon in 1979 when he was temporarily living and working in Oklahoma City.

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The news release states that Harrison died as a result of a motorcycle accident in Elk City, Oklahoma in 1980. The firearm was believed to have later been in the possession of Robert Fannon (also known as “Corvette Bob”). Fannon, also of Elk City, Oklahoma was the roommate of Harrison at the time of Harrison’s death.

Fannon died March 9, 2008, in San Antonio at the Veteran’s Hospital, according to the release.

Police said they had no connection between the men or the Wilkinson family.

Investigators believe the handgun changed owners multiple times before it was recovered in North Richland Hills.

Detectives continued on Wednesday to search for information on the previous owners and their connection to the weapon, or any other persons who might have possessed the handgun.

A $25,000 reward has been offered by area businesses for information leading to the identification and arrest of the people responsible for this offense.

Anyone with information should immediately contact Detective Tony Roten of the North Richland Hills Police Department at 817-427-7046 or 817-427-7000.